Fun With Gender Prediction Myths

SHARE

Pregnancy is full of anticipation. Understandably, you can't wait to meet the little person who will rule your world for the next 18 years, minimum. Will they look like you or your partner? And what should you name them?

Your baby's gender is the very first clue you'll get about who they are. For those of us with the tendency to read the last page of a novel first, any number of gender prediction myths are at your disposal to predict your unborn's gender for kicks and grins.

Here are some of the most popular gender prediction myths I heard and had some fun with:

Take a gold ring and thread a long string through it, then have someone dangle it over your pregnant belly. If it swings in a circle, it's a boy. If it swings back and forth, it's a girl.

According to lore, girls drain their mother's beauty. If you feel like you're looking a little rough around the edges, you may be growing a little girl in there. Not looking so bad? It's a boy.

Carrying high? Pick out girl names! Slung lower? It's a boy!

Gaining weight all over? Legend says it's a girl. Are you all belly? It's a boy!

Craving sugar and spice? You're in the pink! Feeling foods more tart and sour? It's blue for you!

This one is more rumor than old school myth: If your baby’s heartbeat is faster than 140, you're having a girl. Running a little more mellow? You're having a boy.

Viv Schaffel is a freelance journalist and essayist who writes for a vast array of publications, including CBS Watch!, The New York Times, Working Mother and The New York Post. She writes/performs sketch comedy and is an upstanding member of US Weekly’s Fashion Police, poking fun at red carpet risks.

Viv Schaffel

Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition.